Sweet & Salty Caramel Pecan Ritz Cracker Toffee Crunch Snack Mix

There is something irresistible about the combination of buttery caramel, salty crackers, toasted pecans, and a little extra crunch. This Sweet & Salty Caramel Pecan Ritz Cracker Toffee Crunch Snack Mix brings all of those flavors together in one easy oven-baked treat.

Ritz crackers provide a light, crisp base while the caramel-toffee coating bakes into all the little spaces between them. Pecans add a rich, nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch, while a touch of flaky salt keeps the sweetness balanced.

It is simple enough to make for an afternoon snack but special enough for holiday parties, movie nights, bake sales, potlucks, or edible gifts.

Why You’ll Love This Snack Mix

• Sweet and salty: The caramel is balanced by buttery crackers and a little salt.
• Crunchy texture: Baking the caramel coating creates a crisp, candy-like finish.
• Easy ingredients: Most of the ingredients are common pantry staples.
• Great for sharing: Make a batch for parties, family gatherings, or gift boxes.
• Customizable: You can add chocolate, pretzels, cereal, or other nuts.

Ingredients

For the Crunch Mix

• 4 cups Ritz crackers, gently broken into large pieces
• 1 ½ cups pecan halves or roughly chopped pecans
• ½ cup mini pretzels, optional
• ½ cup crispy cereal pieces, optional

For the Caramel Toffee Coating

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

For Finishing

• ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt, or more to taste
• ½ cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips, optional
• ¼ cup white chocolate chips, optional

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. The rim is important because the caramel will become quite hot and fluid during baking.

Spread the Ritz cracker pieces and pecans evenly over the baking sheet. If you’re using pretzels or cereal, add those as well.

Try not to crush the crackers too much. Larger pieces will give the finished snack mix a better texture.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Mixture

Place the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Once the butter has melted, add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Continue cooking for about 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently. The caramel should look glossy and slightly thickened.

Be careful because hot caramel can cause serious burns.

Step 3: Add the Flavoring

Remove the saucepan from the heat.

Immediately stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Finally, add the baking soda and stir quickly.

The baking soda will cause the caramel to foam slightly. This is normal and helps create a lighter, crispier coating.

Step 4: Coat the Crackers and Pecans

Pour the hot caramel mixture slowly over the Ritz crackers and pecans.

Using a heat-resistant spatula, gently toss everything together until the crackers and pecans are coated.

Work carefully but fairly quickly because the caramel will begin to thicken as it cools.

Don’t worry if some pieces aren’t completely coated at this stage. The caramel will spread further while baking.

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